Discover the science of behavior and the brain in a technological world. Learn how behavior and thought are influenced by neurophysiological, emotional, cognitive, developmental, social, and environmental factors.

Two students looking at a smart phone having a conversation

Program Overview

The B.S. in Psychological Science at Rensselaer provides students with a technology-driven education for a technology-driven field.

Psychological science is a rapidly evolving discipline that seeks to understand human thought and behavior through the use of scientific methods. With advances in technologies that track and predict thought and behavior, psychological scientists are continually making discoveries that improve the way people live and work.

After Graduation

A degree in psychological science prepares students for:

Graduate studies in psychological science, medicine, education, law, business, and more. 

Careers in a wide variety of sectors including business, data science, information technology, health care, government, education, and law.

Students pursuing the B.S. in Sustainability Studies examine human-environment interactions and develop sustainability strategies through policy, community engagement, and hands-on projects. 

Presenter presenting students with agricultural items
Seek solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges by asking better questions.

Program Overview

Sustainability Studies is a degree designed for environmentally conscious students seeking an education that blends social and natural sciences, humanities, and technology.

Outstanding students at Rensselaer have the option to complete a dual major, for a distinctive career profile. These combinations of degree programs - for example, Chemical Engineering and Sustainability Studies - are designed so that you can complete the requirements for both majors in just four years.

After Graduation

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in environmental and public policy, nonprofit research and advocacy, and green industries.

Students pursuing the B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society investigate the social and historical dimensions of science, engineering, and medicine. 

Students and professors in small group discussion
Students seek to answer a critical question: How can science and technology contribute to a sustainable, democratic, and just future for everyone?

Program Overview

The STS major is designed for intellectually curious, socially conscious, and self-motivated students who seek a well-rounded education. STS provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum in history, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, political science, and design studies.

Outstanding students at Rensselaer have the option to complete a dual major, for a distinctive career profile. These combinations of degree programs - for example, Computer Science and STS - are designed so that you can complete the requirements for both majors in just four years.

After Graduation

Graduate studies

Our graduates go on to advanced study in law, medicine, public health, and the social sciences. 

 

Career Opportunities

An STS degree opens doors to careers that are meaningful and change-oriented.  Our graduates are able to step into professions that require knowledge of society and politics, research and communication skills, and a multidimensional understanding of science and technology.  Many graduates with dual majors work in science, engineering, and other fields, and find that their education in STS helps them excel as versatile and creative professionals, focusing on issues and ideas that matter to them. 

The B.S. in Design, Innovation, and Society at Rensselaer provides creative, socially conscious students with a broad education in design. This is not your typical design program.

Students discussing geodesic dome structure with professor

Program Overview

The B.S. in Design, Innovation, and Society (DIS) is a unique liberal arts-focused and studio-based design program:

After Graduation

  • graduate studies in design, social sciences, engineering, environmental studies, and management
  • industrial and product design
  • product and design engineering
  • design consultancies
  • user-experience and social-innovation analysis
  • nonprofits
  • startup companies
  • educational institutions
  • government research agencies
  • entrepreneurship in green industry and social ventures 

Games used to mean playtime. Not anymore. Rensselaer's Games and Simulations Arts and Sciences (GSAS) degree provides an undergraduate experience like few others available anywhere in the country.

Take a look at some fantastic student work here.

Professor Ben Chang teaching in front of two large screens

Program Overview

The B.S. in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Rensselaer combines theory and practice with a strong emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary work in order to equip students with the variety of skills needed to succeed in the field. The program explores the technical, creative, social, and cultural dimensions of games and simulation. There are 6 Concentrations to choose from!

 

How to Apply as an Incoming Student

After Graduation

Careers in:

  • Game design
  • Game development
  • Interactive simulation and visualization
  • Animation

Advanced study in: 

  • Game design
  • Computer science
  • Fine arts
  • Artificial intelligence 

Discover an evolving relationship between art and technology. Students critically and creatively explore the arts at the intersection of the humanities, and the physical, computational, engineering, and social sciences.

Two students work with video production equipment

Program Overview

Located at the heart of a technological research university, the B.S. in Electronic Arts at Rensselaer provides inspiring artists with an interdisciplinary and technology-driven arts education.

Through a balanced focus on theory and practice, students explore the role that technology plays in contemporary art and examine the intersections between the art and technology in relation to a broad range of disciplinary practices.

How to Apply as an Incoming Student

 

After Graduation

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as videographers, art directors, graphic designers, audio engineers, musicians, gallery artists, animators, storyboard artists, and more.

 

 

The art of communication is the core of innovation. We take pride in graduating exemplary communicators and engaged citizens who contribute meaningfully to their professions and exert lasting impact on their communities, locally and globally.

Four students participating in a writing assignement

Program Overview

The B.S. program in Communication, Media, and Design (CMD) prepares graduates to communicate creatively across diverse multimedia and multicultural contexts. The program is geared toward students interested in literature, strategic and creative writing, media and communication studies, and graphic, interactive, and mixed-reality design. The curriculum is designed to train versatile and professional communicators across a range of media literacies, genres, and formats.

After Graduation

Graduates of the B.S. program in Communication, Media, and Design have the skills to communicate innovative ideas, work with leading-edge media, and collaborate to produce integrated graphic and textual information geared toward diverse audiences.

Career opportunities include:

  • Graphic and multimedia design
  • Media production
  • Usability engineering
  • Information architecture
  • Instructional and interface design
  • Technical communication
  • Animation
  • Game Design
  • Education
  • Industry Research

Think critically about the complex questions of our world. Search for understanding and wisdom through inquiry into fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge and "how to live a good life."

Think about things differently

Program Overview

Agreeing with Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” the B.S. in Philosophy asks student to think critically about the most complex, enduring questions regarding existence, knowledge, and values facing the world. 

  • How are right and wrong determined?
  • Does science give us objective truth?
  • Do humans have free will?

Through research, reflection, and discussion, the program equips students with the reasoning and critical-thinking skills needed to be responsible citizens and tomorrow’s global leaders. 

After Graduation

A degree in philosophy provides a solid foundation for careers and graduate studies in law, medicine, journalism, artificial intelligence, and more. 

"Philosophy has greatly enhanced my learning experience at Rensselaer by refining my ability to grasp and reason through complex concepts while teaching me how to think more critically about the topics within my major." 

— Mina Kodsi 

The B.S. program in Biotechnology and Health Economics trains students with a distinctive combination of skills in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Sciences, and Economics. The interdisciplinary combination of complementary skills is in demand in various industries and consulting sectors. Skilled and quantitatively trained professionals are required to analyze not only the scientific side and new technologies and development, but also the economic implications for firms and individuals related to pricing, investment, innovation strategies, and economic and regulatory policies. The program prepares students for successful science-based careers with quantitative, modeling and policy knowledge in Economics. 

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics program is an innovative stand-alone degree that is distinct from our general B.S. Economics program. The program offers students abundant opportunities to acquire skills in a wide range of areas in Sciences and Economics. The curriculum is specifically designed for students who wish to add expertise in Economics to their training in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

After Graduation

Post-Graduation Careers

The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics program provides a strong foundation in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Sciences, and Economics. The innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum gives our students an advantage in the job market. Upon completion of the program, students are ready to embark on successful careers at the intersection of Sciences and Economics. Students are in good position to take advantage of career opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare consulting, health insurance companies, hospitals, public policy institutions, and in State and Federal Government.

 

RPI offers an innovative Bachelor of Science in Music degree that integrates traditional and contemporary musical practices that span acoustic and electronic music, written composition and improvisation, performance and production, and contemporary listening strategies. 

With a focus on creative engagement, current and emerging technologies, and experimental, interdisciplinary, and cutting-edge sonic art, the program provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of student interests.

A faculty member and student working at the piano in the recording studio.

Program Overview

The foundation of the music degree is built on five pillars:

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